Conclusions: Instances of ‘family time-out’ may
contribute to better consultation outcomes because they
are understood and supported by the patient’s social
system. This study highlights the potentially important
role of exchanges between patients and companions
during consultations and how physicians may benefit
from observation of such exchanges. We recommend
testing the value of making space for family time-out
during consultations. Also, we recommend further
study into the medical ethics of family time-out. While
the focus here is on palliative chemotherapy, this
finding has implications for other consultations,
particularly those involving difficult treatment decisions.